West Seattle art: Local teacher makes, shows jeweled birdhouses, each one with ‘a wonderful story’

(Photo by Kelly Beal)

Here’s something else you can do this afternoon – or any day between now and month’s end: Check out this unusual local art display: Dano Beal, a West Seattle resident who also happens to be an award-winning schoolteacher, is displaying what he describes as “whimsical birdhouses” at Tully’s Coffee on Alki.

He explains: “This project started over 2 years ago, with an old, funky birdhouse found at a yard sale. I decorated it as a gift for my Mother, covering it in wild and wonderful ornaments, personal trinkets, and broken jewelry… For several years I had been collecting vintage and costume jewelry purchased at local estate sales, church bazaars, and antique stores. Every piece always came with a wonderful story, usually shared by elderly folks or the people who loved them… Each one of the birdhouses in this exhibit is made using a variety of vintage pieces, religious icons, toys, found objects, and ‘grandma jewelry’.” They’re on display all month at Tully’s, which is on the corner of 60th SW and Alki SW.

6 Replies to "West Seattle art: Local teacher makes, shows jeweled birdhouses, each one with 'a wonderful story'"

  • Toni Reineke October 11, 2015 (9:37 pm)

    Gorgeous!

  • Quilterwoman October 12, 2015 (9:48 am)

    I love the stories behind the beautiful work!

  • Alice Haury October 12, 2015 (3:07 pm)

    I love your birdhouses. I have a two boxes of junk jewelry that I was thinking of taking to the goodwill. Would you like them at no charge. Most all broken and unstrung fake pearls.

  • Dano October 12, 2015 (11:50 pm)

    Alice, you are an angel!…. I would be lucky and honored to be the recipient of your treasures!… Thank you for the very kind words!

  • Alice Haury October 13, 2015 (6:49 pm)

    Dano, you can contact me at my e-mail address. ahaury@haurys.com Then we can make arrangements for you to receive them.

  • Alice Haury October 15, 2015 (9:39 pm)

    I have tried to get back to you but my computer locked me out. If you still want them please contact me at ahaury@haurys.com. I would like to get them to you soon.

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